Porsche Compensates Buyers for Macan Production Delays

Porsche has run into a problem with production of the 2015 Macan, the brand’s new compact crossover SUV. Instead of just pushing ahead with production with shoddy parts and then recalling all of the Macans years later, Porsche has instead opted to compensate people who have already bought the new model. Such a move isn’t surprising considering it also compensated 911 GT3 owners while it investigated claims of spontaneous fires, before finally concluding that all 2014 models need a brand-new engine installed.

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Instead of paying buyers for their inconvenience, Porsche plans to give them a little slice of German fun, Stuttgart-style. As a consolation, the company is providing buyers, if they so desire, with a short-term and open-ended lease for either a new Boxster or Cayman. Such a move makes financial sense, since the two cars are priced at about the same level as the Macan.

The move is also a fun one for customers, because both the Cayman and Boxster are incredibly fun cars to drive just about anywhere. It’s conceivable that at least some Macan buyers will fall in love with their lease vehicles and end up purchasing another Porsche, which will help boost the brand’s sales. Even if they don’t, the leased vehicles will inflate sales for Boxsters and Caymans, as well as provide a solid amount of low-mileage used stock to help attract even more new Porsche owners.

Considering that the Macan is drawing in completely new customers for Porsche, the move is smart. In fact, during the first month of sales for the new model, 1,263 units were sold in the United States. That rivaled sales of the Cayenne in May, which added up to 1,294 units. Even more impressive is the fact that the Macan went up for sale starting in the middle of May. It seems that the new model is a runaway hit, which will only frustrate 911 purists, even though the fast and furious sales will allow Porsche to build more of its sports cars.